readers Readers, What Do You Skip?

[Carlos Hazday]

15 hours ago, CassieQ said:

I think using said with dialogue is acceptable, as long as it is not every single sentence.  People should be able to tell who is speaking through dialogue.  What drives me crazy is anything aside from said, asked and occasionally, exclaimed.     

 

It took me some time to find this. I really need to clean out my PM inbox. This is one of the recommendations the promotions team made when I became a Promising Author. It was something my editor had already made me aware of and I was working on implementing. I always hated the constant use of them and thought this was a good trend to latch onto.

 

Continue to reduce your reliance on speech tags.  While nothing is technically wrong with using speech tags, it is becoming less acceptable to do so.  Work on using narrative/actions to convey who’s speaking, rather than using speech tags.

[Timothy M.]

6 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

 

It took me some time to find this. I really need to clean out my PM inbox. This is one of the recommendations the promotions team made when I became a Promising Author. It was something my editor had already made me aware of and I was working on implementing. I always hated the constant use of them and thought this was a good trend to latch onto.

 

Continue to reduce your reliance on speech tags.  While nothing is technically wrong with using speech tags, it is becoming less acceptable to do so.  Work on using narrative/actions to convey who’s speaking, rather than using speech tags.
 

 

Well, in your naughty santa story readers had to keep a sharp eye on the dialogue to be sure who was saying what. That was fun, IMO, and you certainly implemented the advice.  

[FormerMember4]

1 hour ago, northie said:

As a writer from what often feels like the wrong side of the pond, I write using British English. This may well put some people off, but I'm not going to stifle my creativity by trying to write in a version of English which is not my own.  When I read American / Canadian English stories, I accept that they're going to look and read a little differently. While I don't want to baffle people with obscure or dialect words, when my characters are speaking, they may well occasionally employ words that aren't in regular use elsewhere. My stories are normally firmly located in England, so I don't apologise for making them speak like English people.

 

To answer @Carlos Hazday 's question of what have I been guilty of? This ...  I came back a couple of months ago to a multi-part story I'd started about this time last year, ie when I first started writing. Reading the middle chapters in particular, I was horrified by how many sentences started with 'He'. Needless to say, it's having a thorough going-over (revision, re-writing, adding to) before I even consider starting to post it. Looking at it the other way, I was amazed at how much I'd improved ... Phew! 

You brought up something important to me. Authors need to be true to themselves as authors. This includes their culture. Using flat, instead of apartment... or jumper, bangers and mash, etc. I appreciate this. Teaches about people and cultures. Difference makes us great. So never apologize, or apologise for your English form.

[Mikiesboy]

38 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

You brought up something important to me. Authors need to be true to themselves as authors. This includes their culture. Using flat, instead of apartment... or jumper, bangers and mash, etc. I appreciate this. Teaches about people and cultures. Difference makes us great. So never apologize, or apologise for your English form.

If i'm writing about characters in Canada, you'll see: colour, honour, etc., and other words i use every day. If my story is set in the USA or i want to 'hide' like with Dom Does Halloween, i'll use American spellings. In other words, I do what's right for me and the story. But i like to see people writing 'their' way.

[FormerMember4]

15 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

If i'm writing about characters in Canada, you'll see: colour, honour, etc., and other words i use every day. If my story is set in the USA or i want to 'hide' like with Dom Does Halloween, i'll use American spellings. In other words, I do what's right for me and the story. But i like to see people writing 'their' way.

Yes, that’s how it should be. Honoring the culture and ways of the locale. That’s conscientiousness on the part of a good writer.

[Former Member]

I have read several stories that were set in Hawaii where the speakers sounded more like caricatures rather than real people. When I PM’d one of the authors, he said he was copying the TV show, Hawaii 5-0. Movies and TV shows are often not accurate representations of the locations they are set. People in Hawaii do not sprinkle their conversations with Hawaiian words, one per sentence. Yes, they have slang that’s different from what we use on the mainland, but public schools teach standard English and everybody knows how to speak standard English even if they don’t use it all the time. I spent the first 8 years of my life there and things can only have become more like the rest of the US with all the immigration from the mainland.

 

The vast majority of Californians never use Valley Speak or other exaggerated slang. ‘Honoring the culture and ways of the locale’ does not mean you should imitate a comedy movie or TV show (unless that is the effect you are going for). I want to specifically point out that I am not criticizing or critiquing @BlindAmbition or any of his stories when I quoted him.

[FormerMember4]

4 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

I have read several stories that were set in Hawaii where the speakers sounded more like caricatures rather than real people. When I PM’d one of the authors, he said he was copying the TV show, Hawaii 5-0. Movies and TV shows are often not accurate representations of the locations they are set. People in Hawaii do not sprinkle their conversations with Hawaiian words, one per sentence. Yes, they have slang that’s different from what we use on the mainland, but public schools teach standard English and everybody knows how to speak standard English even if they don’t use it all the time. I spent the first 8 years of my life there and things can only have become more like the rest of the US with all the immigration from the mainland.

 

The vast majority of Californians never use Valley Speak or other exaggerated slang. ‘Honoring the culture and ways of the locale’ does not mean you should imitate a comedy movie or TV show (unless that is the effect you are going for). I want to specifically point out that I am not criticizing or critiquing @BlindAmbition or any of his stories when I quoted him.

Huh!, I’m lost on this one. I haven’t published any stories on here. Did you tag wrong person?

[mogwhy]

59 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

If i'm writing about characters in Canada, you'll see: colour, honour, etc., and other words i use every day. If my story is set in the USA or i want to 'hide' like with Dom Does Halloween, i'll use American spellings. In other words, I do what's right for me and the story. But i like to see people writing 'their' way.

 

i like seeing this in stories, the varied stuff, helps keep my mind limber. although i must admit AC, Parker and Quokka have sent me down the google hole more than once, but i learn so much! 

[Former Member]

29 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

Huh!, I’m lost on this one. I haven’t published any stories on here. Did you tag wrong person?

No, I quoted your line, but I was trying to make it clear I wasn’t referring to you or anything you wrote when I was complaining about characters that were unintentional caricatures.

[Cia]

Remember, guys, that this is a topic for readers to share what they skip, or what makes them skip out on a story altogether. But that doesn't mean that it's "wrong", necessarily. Not every story will be to every reader's taste. I've been flamed before, and I've also been given very valid yet cringe-worthy feedback that pointed out a ton of things I didn't even know I was doing poorly. We've all been beginners, and we've all had the experience of learning that we need to learn more. As long as your stories don't violate the site guidelines, then you don't have to change them. And if you have to break some rule, remember, it's important to know those rules because then you can justify breaking it. 

[JayT]

When I made my initial post on this topic, I knew I would be contacted by a certain author. I absolutely did not have him in mind when I wrote that and had my response in mind waiting for him to ask me if I was referring to him. 

@Carlos Hazday remember what I told you and keep up the good work 😉😗

[Canuk]

I skip convoluted sex scenes, particularly when they are an adjunct to the plot. Also consistently bad grammar, weird syntax, and signs that no editor or beta reader has been anywhere near the story really turn me off and make me skip stories. Reading should not be hard. The subject may be complex and difficult issues may be addressed, but writing should be clear and the process enjoyable. 

[Canuk]

On 05/11/2017 at 4:26 PM, BlindAmbition said:

 

Grammar and editing huge. There’s a popular author with multiple stories who refuses an editor. Good ideas, horrendous sentence structure. Gave up and won’t read another by this author.

 

Whole -heartedly agree. Quite sad really....

[Dahawk]

After reading @Cia post What Readers Skip,  and being personally sniped by certain authors I am going to speak my mind. I write for fun, most of my followers enjoy my writing. I am not a blow smoke up your behind and pretend the world is an endless love fest where everybody accepts everybody and holds hands singing Kumbaya. I don't go out and beg people to read my writing nor will I. I personally don't like the direction as a whole this community has turned out since that forum post has been made. You have authors who are going to other authors work, who post comments without supplying any reasons or constructive information to point one in a direction. If your criticism is you don't wanna feel emotion, you should find a different author to follow. I'm personally fed up with snarky crap, my original post was to show how authors feel talked down to by certain individuals and if anything since said forum was made it has only created an even larger negative atmosphere. My post was being honest when you have signature authors and promising authors who go on to tear down newer writer's work they will get fed up and start to look for other venues to display their work. Not every writer is going to be somebody else's cup of tea, nor should they be made feel that they must conform to a certain style in a whole because you don't like emotions or to shed a tear. I'm really beyond aggravated and frustrated to the point if I were to do a knee-jerk reaction I would have pulled my work down on the site today. I'm going to take a little time work on my stories, and consider my options. I enjoy each of my followers and we created a makeshift family that jokes around with one another, so please don't take this personally you have stood by me watching my work grow and my writing style improve I won't alienate you, but I felt the need to voice my personal displeasure with admins letting this post start to create a toxic environment. People as a whole need to pick and choose their battles, I for one don't like to read stories that fluff over the way the real world is I want to be drawn into a story, I want to feel connected to the characters and their environment. Most of my followers have come to accept I don't gloss over stuff. You either like a writer's style or you don't, nobody begs you to sit through reading it if you don't like it, simply close the story and move on no hard feelings are made but if you want to call me out on my writing sucks, then provide what is wrong with it so I can learn from it and improve if it's grammatical, but if you just don't like it over the story being emotional simply accept it as this story is not for me and kindly move on. Thank you.

[Wesley8890]

2 minutes ago, Dahawk said:

After reading @Cia post What Readers Skip,  and being personally sniped by certain authors I am going to speak my mind. I write for fun, most of my followers enjoy my writing. I am not a blow smoke up your behind and pretend the world is an endless love fest where everybody accepts everybody and holds hands singing Kumbaya. I don't go out and beg people to read my writing nor will I. I personally don't like the direction as a whole this community has turned out since that forum post has been made. You have authors who are going to other authors work, who post comments without supplying any reasons or constructive information to point one in a direction. If your criticism is you don't wanna feel emotion, you should find a different author to follow. I'm personally fed up with snarky crap, my original post was to show how authors feel talked down to by certain individuals and if anything since said forum was made it has only created an even larger negative atmosphere. My post was being honest when you have signature authors and promising authors who go on to tear down newer writer's work they will get fed up and start to look for other venues to display their work. Not every writer is going to be somebody else's cup of tea, nor should they be made feel that they must conform to a certain style in a whole because you don't like emotions or to shed a tear. I'm really beyond aggravated and frustrated to the point if I were to do a knee-jerk reaction I would have pulled my work down on the site today. I'm going to take a little time work on my stories, and consider my options. I enjoy each of my followers and we created a makeshift family that jokes around with one another, so please don't take this personally you have stood by me watching my work grow and my writing style improve I won't alienate you, but I felt the need to voice my personal displeasure with admins letting this post start to create a toxic environment. People as a whole need to pick and choose their battles, I for one don't like to read stories that fluff over the way the real world is I want to be drawn into a story, I want to feel connected to the characters and their environment. Most of my followers have come to accept I don't gloss over stuff. You either like a writer's style or you don't, nobody begs you to sit through reading it if you don't like it, simply close the story and move on no hard feelings are made but if you want to call me out on my writing sucks, then provide what is wrong with it so I can learn from it and improve if it's grammatical, but if you just don't like it over the story being emotional simply accept it as this story is not for me and kindly move on. Thank you.

I always skip stories that are pure happiness. I need drama in a story. That's one reason I enjoy @Dahawkstories. They have that realness to them. Sure I joke about crying all the time, but that's just it jokes. To me, you can't have a story without drama, or strife, there needs to be a challenge to overcome. I'm a realist and can't stand all the candy coated life is wonderful crap.

[Carlos Hazday]

@Wesley8890

 

Admit it, you like CJ because he beats people up with fists AND words. And because he owns a gun!

[Cia]

@Dahawk  Well, I am glad you're not going on a knee-jerk reaction, however, the saying 'opinions are like assholes' exists for a reason. We're talking about a negative subject, yes, but authors don't have to take it negatively. When you allow someone else's (or a few someone elses) opinion of your work to hold sway to such an extent then you're giving away power over your creative process in a destructive way. If someone has harsh feedback that's nothing but a flame, ignore it. If someone has hard to hear but true feedback, especially if it's echoed by more than one person, then you should try to reevaluate your work with a dispassionate eye and see if it can apply to help you improve.  Focusing on what people are saying that you feel is just all negative rather than the parts of this topic that are constructive and intended to help others takes that away from you. And, above all, just because you might write something that doesn't sit well with others, for whatever reason, that doesn't make it any less valid and perhaps popular with readers it does resonate well with. You can't please everyone all the time.

[Wesley8890]

Just now, Carlos Hazday said:

@Wesley8890

 

Admit it, you like CJ because he beats people up with fists AND words. And because he owns a gun!

OK CJ is kick ass. And I love Lola! Mostly Harley though he's my fave of yours

[Kitt]

There is very little I will skip over within a story. 

 

A story has to hook me in the first chapter to get me coming back.  I am pleased to say almost all the stories I have started here I either finished reading or am waiting as patiently as possible for the next chapter.  The few that have not captured my attention span were simply not my cup of tea.

 

The thing that does annoy me however, is a distinct lack of editing.  At LEAST turn your spell check on!  I am a tad careful who I approach with comments on the need of an editor, however.  I have found that Convo goes one of two directions.  I have been cursed out by authors who took offence. I have been asked to edit by far more, however.  I hate to turn anyone down, but there simply are not enough hours in the day.

[Dahawk]

5 minutes ago, Kitt said:

There is very little I will skip over within a story. 

 

A story has to hook me in the first chapter to get me coming back.  I am pleased to say almost all the stories I have started here I either finished reading or am waiting as patiently as possible for the next chapter.  The few that have not captured my attention span were simply not my cup of tea.

 

The thing that does annoy me however, is a distinct lack of editing.  At LEAST turn your spell check on!  I am a tad careful who I approach with comments on the need of an editor, however.  I have found that Convo goes one of two directions.  I have been cursed out by authors who took offence. I have been asked to edit by far more, however.  I hate to turn anyone down, but there simply are not enough hours in the day.

That's the thing Kitt I personally don't take offense if stuff is said and done constructively with reasons, I would appreciate that from my fellow authors even. I have started putting a team of beta readers in place along with other assistance and Grammarly.

[Timothy M.]

9 hours ago, Dahawk said:

You either like a writer's style or you don't, nobody begs you to sit through reading it if you don't like it, simply close the story and move on no hard feelings are made but if you want to call me out on my writing sucks, then provide what is wrong with it so I can learn from it and improve if it's grammatical, but if you just don't like it over the story being emotional simply accept it as this story is not for me and kindly move on. Thank you.

 

I've only found a few authors on GA whose style or content I really didn't like, and as you say the best thing to do is move on and accept this isn't for me. This is particularly easy if they're established and popular and get lots of attention and positive comments, because then they won't miss me as a reader.

Now that I have an easy-to-access full list of all the comments I've written, I've looked at some of the first comments I made on GA, and I cringe quite a bit.   At the time I mainly commented if I got really annoyed about stories. Not surprisingly, most of the authors ignored my rants. After a while I learned to be politer and give positive feedback or at least constructive critique  when commenting. Very few issues make me lose my temper now, and I mainly stop reading or send a PM.

 

I guess my point is that just like writing takes practice, the same applies to giving feedback as a reader (or editor/beta). So those people who have upset you with snarky comments may simply be immature or insensitive or unaware. You should feel free to point this out and since other readers can now reply to your and their comments, you may find support in educating those people in how to be helpful rather than hurtful. If not, ignore them or, as a final resort, report the comment and ask to have it removed.

Edited November 8, 2017 by Timothy M.

[Timothy M.]

On 11/5/2017 at 1:54 PM, Timothy M. said:

I usually skip graphic descriptions of violence.

 

Just to be clear, my answer above applies to chapter parts. I.e. I'll skip the sections or occasionally whole chapters where the detailed violence makes me feel   That doesn't mean I will stop reading the story or give up on the author. In fact, I have a few favorite stories with such scenes. When I read them again, I simply skip those parts I dislike. A to Z by @Parker Owens is a good example, and another is Little Man by Mann Ramblings.

 

I took this topic to be about what you skip in stories, and not so much about what makes you abandon stories and authors completely. My answer would have been quite different in the latter case. But I guess the topic can be about both.

Edited November 8, 2017 by Timothy M.

[Former Member]

12 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

I guess my point is that just like writing takes practice, the same applies to giving feedback as a reader (or editor/beta). So those people who have upset you with snarky comments may simply be immature or insensitive or unaware. You should feel free to point this out and since other readers can now reply to yours and their comments, you may find support in educating those people in how to be helpful rather than hurtful. If not, ignore them or, as a final resort, report the comment and ask to have it removed.

Many readers already seem to find the whole Comment process intimidating. I think that’s why only a small percentage of readers React (with the emoji at the end of the chapter) and an even smaller percentage actually Comment. Some may have had a bad experience being castigated for expressing an opinion when they’re already feeling insecure about their sexuality, sexual orientation, or sexual desires.

 

Many people are here just for entertainment. They don’t want to think about how they felt when they read the story, what it made them think about, or what was technically wrong with the writing. I’m on Disability so I have more spare time than most readers to cogitate and comment. And some readers seek out exactly the themes that bother me most!  ;-)

[Timothy M.]

2 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

Many readers already seem to find the whole Comment process intimidating. I think that’s why only a small percentage of readers React (with the emoji at the end of the chapter) and an even smaller percentage actually Comment.

 

You're quite right - I should have said ' just like writing takes practice and confidence, the same applies to giving feedback as a reader.'  

[Bucket1]

@Cia, well hasn’t this been an interesting read. First a confession, I'm not a skipper. I like to see what the author has to show me. If it’s not my cup of tea I may end up skipping the rest of the chapters. I can think of a few uncomfortable sections of a number of stories that I didn’t really enjoy but they were important to the plot, or character development or etc etc etc

 

It has also been interesting reading the comments and thinking that author X will take that personally only to see them agreeing a few post down

 

@Timothy M. and @droughtquake raise a very important point. Commenting and critiquing can be intimidating. Doing it well is also a craft to be learnt, developed and improved. Doing it in a safe environment is important. I have seen authors get very upset with some of the commentary and I have seen readers make comments that were crudely formed and almost rude. Neither of those situations is good for GA. Maybe we need a Critique 101?